Internet Hoaxes: Will They Ever Stop?

Posted on by Kenneth McDonald

There are a wide variety of reasons why people create internet hoaxes. Human nature is inherently gullible and we are so keen to believing internet hoaxes. So, it is not uncommon for people to want to create internet hoaxes. Some do it for monetary gain, some do it for pleasure and a good laugh, and some do it to go viral on Twitter. People that create these hoaxes are looking to garner attention and to fool world famous people and important figures into thinking that the created hoax is real. From what I have seen, the most outlandish of internet hoaxes have been the culprits of confusing the masses into thinking they are real. Hoaxes such as the recent Instagram hoax, the momo challenge hoax, and the fake viral tweet that targeted MS-13, are just a few examples of absurdly wild topics that have been misconstrued as real by the media and celebrities. 

Most hoaxes turn out to be harmless. They spread around Twitter or Instagram and are then debunked by someone that knows the real truth behind the hoax. The most harm hoaxes provide is a scare to users on social media platforms. Those scared of seeing their private photos or messages getting leaked are the ones that are the usual victims. Celebrities and political figures are a few of the people that have been tricked by hoaxes before and it is not uncommon. Most people are quick to believe an internet hoax but are then able to turn around and do a little bit of research and figure out that it is harmless and won’t affect anyone.

 

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